Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method at a user equipment operating in a network having a macro cell and at least one assisted serving cell, the method comprising: while the user equipment is connected to both the macro cell and an assisted serving cell: transmitting, from the user equipment to the macro cell, radio resource control signaling intended for a radio resource control layer of the assisted serving cell, the assisted serving cell having its own cell identifier and having an S1 interface with a mobility management entity (MME), and the assisted serving cell having a smaller coverage size than the macro cell; and receiving, from the macro cell, radio resource control signaling originating from the radio resource control layer of the assisted serving cell.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems where a user device connects to both a macro cell and one or more smaller assisted serving cells. The problem addressed is efficient communication management in heterogeneous networks, where assisted cells (e.g., small cells) have limited coverage but need to handle signaling independently. The solution involves a method where a user equipment (UE) transmits radio resource control (RRC) signaling intended for an assisted serving cell to the macro cell instead. The assisted serving cell has its own cell identifier and an S1 interface with a mobility management entity (MME), but its physical size is smaller than the macro cell. The macro cell then forwards the RRC signaling to the assisted serving cell and relays responses back to the UE. This approach simplifies signaling by leveraging the macro cell's broader coverage while maintaining the assisted cell's autonomy. The method ensures seamless communication even when the UE moves between cells, as the macro cell acts as an intermediary for RRC signaling, reducing the need for direct connections to the smaller cells. This improves reliability and efficiency in heterogeneous network environments.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the radio resource control signaling for the assisted serving cell is in a message container.
A method for managing radio resource control (RRC) signaling in wireless communication systems addresses the challenge of efficiently handling signaling for assisted serving cells, which are secondary cells that support a primary serving cell. The method involves encapsulating RRC signaling for the assisted serving cell within a message container, allowing the signaling to be transmitted as part of a larger communication protocol. This approach improves signaling efficiency by reducing overhead and simplifying the management of multiple serving cells. The primary serving cell establishes a connection with a user device, while the assisted serving cell provides additional resources to enhance data throughput or coverage. The method ensures that RRC signaling for the assisted cell is properly formatted and transmitted without disrupting the primary connection. By using a message container, the system can dynamically allocate resources and manage signaling for multiple cells, improving overall network performance and reliability. This technique is particularly useful in advanced wireless networks where multiple cells must be coordinated to provide seamless connectivity.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising receiving from the assisted serving cell, user plane data.
A method for wireless communication involves managing data transmission between a user equipment (UE) and a network, particularly in scenarios where the UE is served by multiple cells. The method addresses the challenge of efficiently handling user plane data in a multi-cell environment, ensuring seamless data transfer and minimizing latency. The UE establishes a connection with a primary serving cell and at least one assisted serving cell, where the assisted serving cell provides additional resources to support data transmission. The method includes receiving user plane data from the assisted serving cell, allowing the UE to offload data traffic to the assisted cell while maintaining connectivity with the primary cell. This approach optimizes network resource utilization and improves data throughput by leveraging multiple cells for concurrent data delivery. The method may also involve coordinating data transmission between the primary and assisted cells to ensure synchronization and avoid conflicts. By integrating the assisted serving cell into the data transmission process, the method enhances reliability and efficiency in wireless communication systems, particularly in dense network deployments or high-traffic scenarios.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the user plane data comprises a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) data unit from the macro cell.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving data handling in heterogeneous networks where macro cells and small cells coexist. The problem addressed is efficient transmission of user plane data, particularly when a user device is served by both a macro cell and a small cell. The invention focuses on optimizing the transfer of packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) data units from the macro cell to the small cell to reduce latency and improve data throughput. The method involves receiving user plane data, which includes PDCP data units, from the macro cell. This data is then processed and forwarded to the small cell, which serves the user device. The small cell receives the PDCP data units and transmits them to the user device. The invention ensures seamless handover and efficient data transmission between the macro and small cells, enhancing overall network performance. The technique is particularly useful in scenarios where the user device is in a coverage area shared by both macro and small cells, ensuring continuous and reliable data delivery. The method may also include additional steps such as data buffering, prioritization, or error correction to further optimize performance. The invention aims to minimize delays and packet loss, improving the user experience in heterogeneous network environments.
5. A user equipment operating in a network having a macro cell and at least one assisted serving cell, the user equipment comprising: a processor; and a communications subsystem, wherein the user equipment is configured to: while the user equipment is connected to both the macro cell and an assisted serving cell: transmit, from a user equipment to the macro cell, radio resource control signaling intended for a radio resource control layer of the assisted serving cell, the assisted serving cell having its own cell identifier and having an S1 interface with a mobility management entity (MME), and the assisted serving cell having a smaller coverage size than the macro cell; and receive, from the macro cell, radio resource control signaling originating from the radio resource control layer of the assisted serving cell.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems where a user device connects to both a macro cell and smaller assisted serving cells. The problem addressed is efficient communication management in heterogeneous networks where assisted cells, such as small cells or femtocells, have limited coverage but require independent signaling. The user device includes a processor and a communications subsystem. While connected to both the macro cell and an assisted serving cell, the device transmits radio resource control (RRC) signaling intended for the assisted cell's RRC layer through the macro cell. The assisted cell has its own cell identifier and an S1 interface with a mobility management entity (MME), and its coverage is smaller than the macro cell. The macro cell relays this signaling to the assisted cell and vice versa, allowing seamless communication despite the assisted cell's limited range. This approach reduces signaling overhead and improves reliability by leveraging the macro cell's broader coverage while maintaining the assisted cell's independent operation. The solution is particularly useful in dense urban environments or indoor settings where small cells enhance capacity and coverage.
6. The user equipment of claim 5 , wherein the radio resource control signaling for the assisted serving cell is in a message container.
A system for managing radio resource control (RRC) signaling in wireless communication networks addresses the challenge of efficiently handling signaling for assisted serving cells, which are secondary cells that support a primary cell in providing communication services to user equipment (UE). The invention involves encapsulating RRC signaling for the assisted serving cell within a message container, allowing the signaling to be transmitted in a structured and organized manner. This approach improves signaling efficiency and reduces overhead by consolidating control information into a single container, minimizing the need for separate signaling exchanges. The UE is configured to process the encapsulated signaling, extract the necessary control information, and apply it to the assisted serving cell. This method ensures seamless integration of the assisted serving cell into the communication process, enhancing overall network performance and reliability. The invention is particularly useful in scenarios where multiple cells are involved in serving a single UE, such as in carrier aggregation or dual connectivity configurations, where efficient signaling management is critical for maintaining low latency and high throughput. By encapsulating the signaling, the system simplifies the signaling procedure and reduces the risk of errors or misconfigurations, leading to more robust and efficient wireless communication.
7. The user equipment of claim 5 , wherein the user equipment is further configured to receive from the assisted serving cell, user plane data.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving data transmission efficiency in user equipment (UE) operating in a multi-cell environment. The problem addressed is optimizing data reception when the UE is served by multiple cells, particularly in scenarios where one cell assists in transmitting user plane data while another cell handles control signaling. The invention enhances UE functionality by enabling it to receive user plane data from an assisted serving cell while maintaining connectivity with a primary serving cell for control signaling. This reduces latency and improves throughput by leveraging multiple cells for different types of traffic. The UE is configured to distinguish between control and user plane data sources, ensuring seamless integration of data from both cells. The assisted serving cell transmits user plane data directly to the UE, bypassing the primary cell, which reduces signaling overhead and improves resource utilization. The UE dynamically manages data reception from both cells, ensuring reliable communication even in challenging network conditions. This approach is particularly useful in dense network deployments where multiple cells can serve a single UE, enhancing overall system performance.
8. The user equipment of claim 7 , wherein the user plane data comprises a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) data unit from the macro cell.
In wireless communication systems, user equipment (UE) often connects to both macro cells and small cells to improve coverage and capacity. A challenge arises when the UE needs to efficiently handle user plane data, such as packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) data units, received from the macro cell while maintaining seamless connectivity. Existing solutions may not optimize the processing of such data, leading to inefficiencies in data transmission and reception. The invention addresses this by providing a UE configured to process user plane data, including PDCP data units, from a macro cell. The UE includes a receiver to obtain the PDCP data unit from the macro cell and a processor to handle the data unit. The processor may perform operations such as decryption, integrity verification, or reassembly of the PDCP data unit. The UE may also include a transmitter to send acknowledgments or other control signals back to the macro cell. This ensures reliable and efficient data transfer between the UE and the macro cell, improving overall communication performance. The invention may also include additional features, such as support for dual connectivity, where the UE communicates with both the macro cell and a small cell simultaneously, further enhancing data throughput and reliability.
9. A method at an assisted serving cell without an S1 interface operating in a network having a macro cell, the method comprising: configuring a local radio resource control (LRRC) protocol layer at the assisted serving cell; receiving information for the LRRC over a backhaul from the macro cell, the information for the LRRC originating from a user equipment served by the assisted serving cell; and transmitting information from the LRRC over the backhaul to the macro cell; wherein the LRRC protocol layer is responsible for local radio resource management functions and the LRRC protocol layer is not responsible for mobility control functions, and the LRRC protocol layer is the only RRC protocol layer in the assisting serving cell.
This invention relates to wireless communication networks, specifically addressing the challenge of managing radio resources in small cells (assisted serving cells) that lack an S1 interface, which is typically used for direct communication with a core network. The solution involves implementing a local radio resource control (LRRC) protocol layer in the assisted serving cell to handle radio resource management functions while offloading mobility control functions to a macro cell. The LRRC layer operates independently, receiving and transmitting user equipment (UE) data over a backhaul connection to the macro cell. This setup ensures efficient resource allocation and coordination between the macro and assisted cells without requiring the assisted cell to handle mobility-related tasks. The LRRC layer is the sole RRC protocol layer in the assisted serving cell, simplifying its architecture while maintaining seamless communication with the macro cell. This approach optimizes network performance by decentralizing radio resource management while centralizing mobility control, reducing complexity and improving scalability in heterogeneous networks.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the assisted serving cell is enabled to configure the LRRC by one or more of: Random Access functions for the assisted serving cell; radio bearer configurations for the assisted serving cell according to instructions from the macro cell; resource or traffic status including a number of radio bearers used; uplink timing alignment for any camped user equipments; and a list of user equipment identifiers that utilizes the assisted serving cell.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing an assisted serving cell in a network where a macro cell coordinates operations with the assisted serving cell. The problem addressed is the need for efficient configuration and management of the assisted serving cell to optimize resource utilization and ensure seamless connectivity for user equipment (UE). The method involves enabling the assisted serving cell to configure a low-reliability radio resource control (LRRC) module. This configuration includes setting up random access functions specific to the assisted serving cell, allowing UEs to establish connections efficiently. The assisted serving cell also receives and implements radio bearer configurations from the macro cell, ensuring consistent service quality. Additionally, the assisted serving cell monitors and reports resource or traffic status, including the number of active radio bearers, to the macro cell for load balancing. Uplink timing alignment is managed for UEs camped on the assisted serving cell to maintain synchronization. The assisted serving cell also maintains a list of UE identifiers actively using its services, enabling targeted management and optimization. This approach enhances network efficiency by dynamically adjusting configurations based on real-time conditions and macro cell instructions.
11. An assisted serving cell without an S1 interface operating in a network having a macro cell, the assisted serving cell comprising: a processor; and a communications subsystem, wherein the assisted serving cell is enabled to: configure a local radio resource control (LRRC) protocol layer at the assisted serving cell; receive information for the LRRC over a backhaul from the macro cell, the information for the LRRC originating from a user equipment served by the assisted serving cell; and transmit information from the LRRC over the backhaul to the macro cell; wherein the LRRC protocol layer is responsible for local radio resource management functions and the LRRC protocol layer is not responsible for mobility control functions, and the LRRC protocol layer is the only RRC protocol layer in the assisted serving cell.
This invention relates to wireless communication networks, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently managing radio resources in small cells (assisted serving cells) that lack an S1 interface, which is typically used for direct communication with a core network. The solution involves an assisted serving cell that operates in conjunction with a macro cell to handle local radio resource management while offloading mobility control functions to the macro cell. The assisted serving cell includes a processor and a communications subsystem. It configures a local radio resource control (LRRC) protocol layer, which is the sole RRC protocol layer in the cell. This LRRC layer is responsible for managing local radio resources, such as scheduling and power control, but does not handle mobility-related tasks like handover decisions or cell reselection. Instead, the assisted serving cell receives LRRC-related information from user equipment (UE) over a backhaul link from the macro cell, which acts as an intermediary. The assisted serving cell then transmits LRRC-generated information back to the macro cell over the same backhaul. This architecture simplifies the assisted serving cell's design by centralizing mobility control in the macro cell while allowing the small cell to independently manage local radio resources. The approach improves network efficiency and scalability by reducing the need for direct core network connections in small cells.
12. The assisted serving cell of claim 11 , wherein the assisted serving cell is enabled to configure the LRRC by one or more of: Random Access functions for the assisted serving cell; radio bearer configurations for the assisted serving cell according to instructions from the macro cell; resource or traffic status including a number of radio bearers used; uplink timing alignment for any camped user equipments; and a list of user equipment identifiers that utilizes the assisted serving cell.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving the coordination between a macro cell and an assisted serving cell to enhance network efficiency and user equipment (UE) connectivity. The problem addressed is the need for better management of radio resources and signaling in heterogeneous networks where multiple cells operate in close proximity, often leading to interference and inefficient resource allocation. The assisted serving cell is configured to support various functions to optimize its operation under the control of a macro cell. These functions include managing random access procedures for UEs connecting to the assisted serving cell, setting up radio bearers based on instructions from the macro cell, and monitoring resource or traffic status, such as the number of active radio bearers. The assisted serving cell also handles uplink timing alignment for UEs that are camped on it, ensuring synchronized communication. Additionally, it maintains a list of UE identifiers that are actively using the assisted serving cell, allowing for better tracking and management of connected devices. This coordination helps reduce interference, improve resource utilization, and enhance overall network performance in dense deployment scenarios.
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October 6, 2020
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